Children with mental disabilities and their parents face a challenging life in an ever-changing social context.

Aim

To evaluate quality of life and daily habits of Children with mental disabilities and their families in Cyprus.

Sixty-three children (65.5% Male) attending Special Schools were evaluated with questionnaires for parents and teachers, personal interviews and local visits.

Children were diagnosed 45.8% at birth, 40.7% 2.5yrs when most developmental milestones normally are achieved. Undiagnosed remains 6.5%. In 18% another family member also is diagnosed with mental disabilities. Pediatricians were considered most supportive (62.3%). Only 45% is followed-up regularly, 30.5% rarely visits a doctor while 66% had no EEG after diagnosis. Children attend physiotherapy (39.2%), ergotherapy (51%), arts-therapy (45.3%) and 95.1% attends special education. They go to school by bus (85.2%). They are somewhat accepted by peers (49.1%) and 33.3% shares leisure time. They feel accepted by society (86.4%) but 16.9% reports problems with family members.

Mother is mostly involved (61.8%) and in only 5.9% both parents. Parents have little or no free time (67.1%), rarely go on holidays (55%), consider a big city favorable (61%) and are optimistic about their children’s future (76.4%). Parents need assistance (60%), especially regarding free time (22.6%), financially (20.8%) and medically (11.3%). Peers are informed and understanding (95%).

Quality of life is considered satisfactory however better medical follow-up and intensification of help provided to these families is needed. Children are quite well adapted in society although there is room for improvement.